FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We know you have questions, and we are happy to answer them the best we can. If you have a question not listed here, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Q. How long does it take to do the "No Sanding" process?
Answer:
Typically, a home with several rooms will take a day and a half, once the furniture and carpeting is removed. The owner can usually walk on the floor the evening of the first day and the afternoon of the second day. On smaller jobs, where time is urgent, we can do the job in a single day.
Q. How long does the "Virtually dustless" sanding process?
Answer:
About 4 days..A day or two to sand, fill, stain and seal. A day to put on the first coat of finish and possibly the second coat. The second or third coat is applied on the next day, and the furniture can be moved back the following day.
Q. Is there an odor?
Answer:
For "No Sanding", the prep solution has a mild odor while it is on the floor. But it is mopped up right after application. The finish has a slightly stronger odor which disappears in a day. If we stain, we use an oil based stain which is rather pungent, but the odor disappears in about a day.
Q. Can you do half the rooms at one time and the other half at another time?
Answer:
Yes, but we charge an extra set up fee for the second time.
Q. What are the conditions which would make the "Virtual Dustless Sanding" process a better choice than the "No-Sanding" process?
Answer:
When the color is to be changed. When the floor area exposed to light is bleached and it needs to be restored to the same color as the unexposed area, usually under an area rug. When there is extensive warping, cracks between strips, badly worn and dirty areas, or areas needing wood replacement.
Q. Can I do a portion of a room, such as just the exposed area around an area rug?
Answer:
Yes, but only with the "No-Sanding" method, since we don't change the color and there is virtually no visible line between the newly refinished area and the old.
Q. What can I do to make the process go as smoothly as possible and have the best results?
Answer:
Plan to have all furniture moved out, either entirely by us, entirely by the owner, or a joint effort. For the 4 hours of coating application and initial drying time, plan to not be walking around the house and, if possible, turn off the heating/air conditioning to prevent particles from landing on the wet coating. Also, be available in person or by phone if any questions or unexpected issues arise.
Q. How should I decide who should remove carpeting?
Answer:
If you or someone you can obtain has time, a strong back, healthy knees, and patience, you can remove the carpet, underlayment, tack strips and the hundreds of staples which held down the underlayment. The tack strips need to be removed without gouging the floor. The staples need to be removed without breaking off the top. If you don't think you can do this, we are happy to do this. We have removed and disposed of many carpets.
Q. After the work is completed, how can I keep my floors looking great?
Answer:
The enemies are dirt, water, pets and furniture with protruding nails from the legs. Have doormats at entrances. Frequently sweep crumbs and other debris up from kitchen floor or other areas. Keep dog nails trimmed. Be sure to not clog your disposal or dishwasher drains. Check your ice maker hose connection behind your frig. Vacuum as needed. Use a hardwood floor cleaner, such as Bona, Zep, Bruce or Murphy's Oil Soap as needed. Fix leaky windows and doors to the outside. Be sure the crawl space under the house remains dry during the rainy season. You may need to cover the ground in the crawl space with 6 mil polyethylene film as a moisture barrier.
Q. How long before I need to have my floors refinished again?
Answer:
It all depends on how much wear and tear you give the floor. Our coating is extremely durable and, with proper care, can last 20 years. However, badly abused floors can need work done in as little as 2 years.
Q. If I want to install wood floors, what should I consider?
Answer:
The list and discussion of each consideration is too long and complex to cover here. There are many choices, based on your desires, the subfloor conditions, the type of wood (solid, engineered, or laminate), wood species, pre-finished vs. finished-on-site, any deadlines, and cost. You should meet with us in person at your home to start the decision process, which will include estimates and presenting samples.
Q. What area do you service?
Answer:
Primarily San Mateo County, especially the "Mid-Peninsula". We also have done work from the North Bay down to Carmel.
Q. How can I gain assurance that you are the best firm for the job?
Answer:
Check the Diamond Certified report on line, including customer comments. Check the Better Business Bureau rating. Check with the Contractor's Licensing Board on line. Ask us for references for recently completed jobs in your area with the same type of work you are considering having done.
Frequently Asked Questions
